Used correctly, polymers help us meet future challenges

Polymer materials such as plastic, silicone and TPE are an important building block in the functioning of our modern society. Used in the right way and in the right applications, polymers are an incredibly useful material with properties that can be adapted to a wide range of different needs. Light, durable, moldable and suitable for recycling, polymer materials have enabled a raft of innovations in industries including pharmaceuticals, medtech, automotive and electronics.

While polymers can, in many ways, be an amazing material, they are often used wrongly in applications in which they do not provide any value and instead become an environmental burden. This has resulted in a growing problem worldwide of plastic pollution and microplastics on land and in our oceans. Disposable items such as plastic cutlery have damaged plastic’s image, and this is reflected in greater awareness among manufacturers about using and managing polymers more responsibly and intelligently.

Polymer materials also have an important role to play in a sustainable world, but there needs to be an awareness of when, where and how the material should best be used. In the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, where stringent standards on clinical hygiene often require disposable items, polymer materials are vital to ensure the optimal use of resources for healthcare equipment and medication management.

Smarter, more efficient solutions

Nolato sees an opportunity for our business model to have a positive influence, supporting customers with all aspects of development, design and manufacturing to produce smarter, more efficient solutions that minimize the consumption of materials and raw material usage. We help select the right material for the right product with a lower carbon footprint, such as bio-based polymers instead of oil-based alternatives.

The automotive sector is an example of an industry that is starting to use recycled materials. The choice of materials is also key to efficiency, since the right design saves weight and reduces energy consumption

Partnerships creating a better product

Our principle is to ensure we are not involved in making products that use polymers in the wrong way. We are selective in our assignments and only enter into customer partnerships where polymer-based components have a clear, sustainable and positive role to play in creating a better product.

By developing alternatives that are more biologically degradable and improving recycling methods, we believe it is possible for polymers to contribute to even more sustainable solutions. Polymer materials are a resource for continuing to create innovative, eco-friendly products that can improve our society and help us meet future challenges.